Monitoring method and monitoring system for assessing physiological parameters of a subject

ABSTRACT

A system for measuring at least one physiological parameter of the user, analyzing the parameter measured and providing feedback to the user. Analysis of at least one physiological parameter of the user may optionally and preferably be performed by a remotely located data processing server. The present invention enables such a measurement to preferably be used to directly generate medical information about the user, optionally performed by the sensing device or alternately by the remote server or alternately by the gateway. Such information may then optionally be sent to medical personnel, for example at a contact monitoring center and/or to any other location, through a gateway device. The gateway device is preferably a mobile gateway device and communicates with the preferred but exemplary wrist-mounted device of the present invention through a wireless communication channel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a method and a system for measuring at leastone physiological parameter of a subject, and for relaying suchinformation through a mobile gateway to a remote data processing serverfor analysis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For medical reasons, human subjects may be monitored in a variety ofways. A number of these monitoring methods are non-invasive. Forexample, heart function can be monitored in a non-invasive manner in ahuman subject by using electrodes, which must be attached to the skin ofthe human subject. Heart rate and blood pressure can be monitored in anon-invasive manner by an inflating cuff. Temperature and respirationrate may also optionally be monitored non-invasively, also optionallytogether with some other physiological parameters.

Physiological conditions and physiological parameters characterizingthese conditions are important factors in determining the state ofhealth and the physical condition of an individual, both generally andin response to physical or emotional stress. Periodic monitoring ofthese physical parameters is particularly important for individualshaving cardiac disease and/or reduced cardiac functioning, or high bloodpressure. However, physically healthy individuals may also wish tomonitor their heart rate and blood pressure periodically, particularlyin stressful situations, for example when engaging in strenuousexercise.

Monitoring of the condition of a human subject could be very useful aspart of the overall health maintenance of the human subject, and couldbe used in order to detect deterioration in the physiological conditionof the subject before a concomitant deterioration in the health of thesubject becomes noticeable. Examples of adverse physiological conditionswhich could be detected with regular non-invasive monitoring include butare not limited to excessive weight gain or loss; arrhythmia and otherheart conditions; incipient diabetes in the form of improper glucosemetabolism; and loss of lung capacity or other problems withrespiration.

In order to support regular monitoring of the physiological condition ofhuman subjects in their normal environment, such as in the home and atthe office for example, the equipment must be non-invasive and easy touse. The equipment would then be able to monitor at least onephysiological parameter of the user, without requiring the user toperform any complicated actions and/or to operate complex devices. (Asused herein, the term “physiological data” means the actual“physiological signal” as measured by a sensor; “physiologicalparameter” refers to information which may be derived from thephysiological data; and the term “physiological condition” means theoverall condition of the subject wellness). Indeed, it would be highlypreferred for the equipment to be incorporated as part of the regulardaily living routine of the subject, since the requirement for anyadditional or special actions on the part of human subject is likely toresult in decreased compliance. In addition, the equipment should berobust yet inexpensive. It would be further preferred that themeasurement of physiological data, and the analysis thereof, would beconducted in a transparent manner to the user without requiring activeuser intervention or being inconvenient for the user.

There are a number of devices for measuring physiological data. Some ofthem are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,661 to Davis et al, U.S. Pat.No. 6,290,646 to Cosentino et al, and U.S. Pat. No. 3,926,179 to Petzke.Although non-invasive, such equipment is nevertheless bulky anduncomfortable for the human subject, who is attached to a network ofcables and wired sensors. The use of these sensing devices is also notsimple. They do not meet the requirement of being incorporated as partof the regular daily living routine of the subject.

Individuals who wish to monitor physiological conditions of their body,however, may not have the knowledge required for judging andinterpreting physiological parameters and medical information indicatingthe current physical status of their health. As used herein, the term“medical information” refers to the information, which may be extractedor otherwise obtained by analyzing physiological signal or parameterand/or a combination of them. Frequent examinations by skilled medicalpersonnel consume time and money, such that the human subjects may nothave such examinations performed at a desirable frequency.

In order to overcome these hurdles methods of communicatingphysiological parameters to remotely located medical personnel have beendeveloped. U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,586 to Heinonen et al, U.S. Pat. No.5,840,020 to Heinonen et al and published PCT Application No. WO90/08361 to Begun et al, teach methods of communicating physiologicalparameters, and in particular glucose level in the blood of a subjectand ECG data to remotely located medical personnel. The methodsdisclosed require the permanent presence of qualified medical personnelat the remote location for manually analyzing the data received andproviding feedback to a subject that transmitted the data. None of thesereferences teach or suggest the automatic analysis of physiologicalparameters of the subject.

Heinonen discloses the use of a cellular telephone, but the teachingsare quite restrictive, as they are only concerned with the transmissionof the data. Another disadvantage of the methods disclosed by Heinonenis their reliance and dependence on a particular type of cellulartelephone. It is an additional disadvantage of the method suggested byHeinonen is the fact that in order to transmit the data, the subject hasto hold the phone and feed it with appropriate data. Furthermore,Heinonen has another major disadvantage in that the teachings aregenerally considered with transmission of the data through a telephone,but do not teach or suggest mobile monitoring of the subject.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,661 to Davis et al discloses a wireless datatransmission system, in which the cellular telephone is part of thesensor arrangement itself. This significantly increases the costs ofsuch an arrangement and makes its use limited. Furthermore, the sensorarrangement can only be described as “portable” in the sense that theelectrodes and devices may be worn by the user. However, the use of suchsensors cannot be automatic, as the user must attach electrodes todifferent points of the body before use. Therefore, the sensors areawkward and inconvenient, and cannot in any case provide continuous ornear-continuous monitoring of one or more physiological functions of theuser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The background art does not teach or suggest a system which canconveniently, non-intrusively, automatically and autonomously measureone, or more physiological parameters, in order to extract medicalinformation such as heart rate, breathing rate, body temperature andblood pressure. The background art also does not teach or suggest such asystem or method which can transmit the collected data to a remote dataprocessing location, while maintaining data integrity. The backgroundart also does not teach or suggest such a system which may invoke analarm, if necessary, after receiving and analyzing the data.

The background art also does not teach or suggest such a system thatprovides true mobility and freedom for the subject wearing the sensingdevice. The background art also does not teach or suggest such a systemthat includes a mobile gateway communicating on one hand with a sensingdevice and on the other hand with a public terrestrial or wirelesscommunication network.

The present invention overcomes these deficiencies of the background artby providing a system for monitoring at least one physiologicalparameter of the user. The present invention enables such aphysiological parameter to preferably be transformed into medicalinformation about the user, by analysis of physiological data. Suchinformation may then optionally and preferably be transmitted through agateway device to a remote data processing server, which more preferablyserves qualified medical personnel at a contact center and/or at anyremote location. Alternatively, raw physiological data may optionally betransmitted to the contact center for analyzing the raw data by medicalpersonnel. More preferably, the raw data is processed by a dataprocessing server, which then most preferably stores the results in adatabase. The server may optionally perform automatic diagnosis of thecondition of the subject, and/or may optionally alert the subject orqualified medical personnel, if necessary.

The gateway device is preferably a mobile gateway device, and optionallyand more preferably comprises a cellular telephone and/or other wirelesscommunication device. The gateway device communicates on one hand withthe sensing device, preferably a wrist-mounted device, optionallythrough a wire connection but more preferably through a wirelesscommunication channel, and on the other hand with a remote locationthrough a second wireless communication channel, such as a cellulartelephone network for example.

The remote data processing server receives the data, optionally througha second cellular gateway device or directly from the mobile supplieritself using any data connection or from the Internet through an ISP(Internet Service Provider). The remote server may optionally serve amanually operated station at a call center, where the operator can viewcharts and histograms of up to date and historical medical measurementsin order to assess the health of the subject more accurately. Thestation operator may optionally request the presence of medicalpersonnel at the subject's location, if necessary.

More preferably, the data processing server automatically processes andanalyzes medical information, as previously described. The server maythen optionally and more preferably inform the user of the physicalhealth status on a periodic basis and/or may optionally alert theoperator, medical personnel or the subject in case of a significantdeviation in one or more values of such information from a presetthreshold.

Examples of medical information which may be extracted from the measuredphysiological parameter or parameters include, but are not limited to:heart rate; heart rate variability; breathing rate; arrhythmia of theheart (if any), as well as the general rhythm and functioning of theheart; blood pressure; presence of abnormal body movements such asconvulsions for example; body position; general body movements; bodytemperature; presence and level of sweat; and oxygen pressure in theblood.

The system of the present invention monitors at least periodically, butmore preferably continuously, or alternatively by manual activation bythe user, one or more physiological parameters of the user, representingone or more physiological functions. Continuous monitoring would moreeasily enable the sensing device to capture more medical informationabout the user.

Should one or more physiological parameters be determined to be above apredefined threshold, which may represent for example such medicalinformation as excessive heart rate, severe irregularity of heart rate,excessive body temperature or very high or low blood pressure, theremote data processing server issues a warning or an alarm relayed tothe user and/or the operator and/or medical personnel. In one embodimentof the present invention where the remote data processing server islocated within the gateway, the warning is issued by the gateway.

The warning and or alarm may optionally include one or morerecommendations for treatments or other assistance to be provided to theuser for improving the current health status of the user. Suchrecommendations may optionally and more preferably be displayed on anoptional display of mobile gateway and/or on an optional display ofsensing device. For example, if the mobile gateway includes a cellulartelephone, then the display of the cellular telephone may optionally beused to display such a recommendation. Alternatively, speech or warningaudio signals may optionally be delivered to the user.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thesubject is preferably identified with unique identifier of the subject,such as an ID number for example. The use of a cellular telephone as amobile gateway supports an additional, optional and preferred method forunambiguous subject authentication according to the present invention,by more preferably linking the identification of the subject (throughthe subject identifier) to at least one of the cellular telephonenumber, its SIM card number, cellular telephone serial number and IPaddress. The use of a cellular telephone as a mobile gateway furtherenables service to be provided to a plurality of subjects being membersof the same group, for example a family, or a sporting team by onemobile gate.

Optionally and more preferably, the present invention also features analarm signal for being transmitted through the mobile gateway device tothe remote server in order to indicate an emergency or otherwisedangerous situation for the user. The alarm signal may optionally betriggered and transmitted according to a manual activation by the user,such as pressing an “alarm button”, which can be located on the wristmounted sensor device or on the mobile gateway for example. Upon receiptof the manually activated alarm signal, the remote data processingserver would preferably initiate immediately a call to a human operatorat the call center or qualified medical personnel at the same or closeto the subject location.

It should be noted that although the following discussion centers oncellular telephone networks and related wireless networks, in fact anytype of communication network or combination thereof may optionally beused. For example, satellite networks are also considered to be withinthe scope of the present invention as an example of a type of wirelessnetwork.

Methods of establishing communication between a sensing device and acommunication device by means of a gateway are also disclosed in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/006,357, filed on Dec. 10, 2001, havingat least one inventor in common and being owned in common, which ishereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Theapplication discloses wrist wearable sensor capable of communicatingwith a gateway device preferably through a wireless communicationchannel. The gateway itself is in communication with a remote dataprocessing server via the public telephone network (PSTN), the remoteserver carries its output processed medical data to a remote operatorinhabited call center. The gateway is stationary and resides in closeproximity to the subject (such as in the same room or apartment, forexample, and/or otherwise in relatively close physical proximity). Itallows more freedom and mobility to the subject, although it is limitedby a relatively small distance between the subject and gateway. Theapplication does not teach or suggest a gateway that supports thesubject's mobility and freedom. Therefore, the present invention has anumber of advantages over this previous application.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention for use with cellularcommunication has a number of advantages. Cellular public networks arereadily available and provide a convenient and affordable method ofcommunication. Certain standards and methods of cellular communication,such as GSM for example, support use of a single phone on aninternational basis. Cellular telephones have a strong CPU and a displaythat may be used for processing the results of measurement and displayof messages addressed to the subject/owner.

The method of the present invention could also be described as a processfor being performed by a data processor, and as such could optionally beimplemented as software, hardware or firmware, or a combination thereof.For the present invention, a software application could be written insubstantially any suitable programming language, which could easily beselected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The programming languagechosen should be compatible with the computational device (computerhardware and operating system) according to which the softwareapplication is executed. Examples of suitable programming languagesinclude, but are not limited to, Visual Basic, Visual C, standard C, C++and Java.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of asystem according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of asensing device according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of amobile gateway according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of areceiving gateway and remote data processing server according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart describing an exemplary method of systeminitialization according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart describing an exemplary method of systemoperation in “Supervise” operation mode according to the presentinvention; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart describing an exemplary method of systemoperation in “Alarm” operation mode according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of a system for measuring at least onephysiological parameter of the user, analyzing the parameter measuredand providing feedback to the user, if required. Analysis of at leastone physiological parameter of the user may optionally and preferably beperformed by a remotely located data processing server aftertransferring the physiological measured data through a gateway device.

The present invention enables such a measurement to preferably be usedto directly generate medical information about the user, optionallyperformed by the sensing device and alternatively by the remote server.Such information may then optionally be sent via data channels to acontact center where a trained human operator may optionally examine themedical information, for example as displayed on a computer monitor.

The human operator, who may be a medically trained individual, wouldthen preferably be able to assess the user's current medical conditionfrom the received information. For example, such a human operatoroptionally and more preferably receives information from the remote dataprocessing server. Preferably, the human operator would have access to amedical history of the user, which could optionally be stored in thedatabase of the remote data processing server for example.

The gateway device is preferably a mobile gateway device, whichcommunicates with the preferred but exemplary wrist-mounted device ofthe present invention through a wireless communication channel.

It should be noted that although the sensing device is described asbeing preferably wrist-mounted as a non-limiting example, in fact thesensing device may optionally (additionally or alternatively) bemounted, worn, carried or otherwise in contact with substantially anypart of the body or in close proximity to the body. As anothernon-limiting example, the sensing device may optionally be in the formof a necklace for being worn at the neck of the subject.

The mobile gateway device is preferably an add on to a regular cellulartelephone together with the cellular telephone itself or a regularcellular telephone with standard wireless access (such as Bluetooth,IEEE 802.11 protocol or IRDA), both communicates on one hand with thewrist-mounted sensing device through a wireless communication channeland on the other hand using the cellular telephone to wirelesslycommunicate on a separate channel with a cellular communication basestation.

Examples of medical information which may optionally be extracted fromthe measured physiological parameter or parameters include, but are notlimited to: heart rate; heart rate variability; breathing rate;arrhythmia of the heart (if any), as well as the general rhythm andfunctioning of the heart; blood pressure; presence of abnormal bodymovements such as convulsions for example; body position; general bodymovements; body temperature; presence and level of sweat; oxygenpressure in the blood.

The sensing device may be wrist-mounted or attached to any other part ofthe subject to be monitored where it ensures reliable measurement and/ormonitoring of at least one physiological parameter, yet which does notinconvenience the subject. The sensing device more preferably hasprocessing capabilities. The sensing device optionally and morepreferably initiates automatic alarm signal transmission to the remoteserver using the gateway, if necessary, after processing the data.Optionally, the alarm signal may be given to the user and/or familymembers or other caregiver and/or a medical personnel, additionally oralternatively, for example by sending an SMS message to their cellulartelephone or by a voice message.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, thewrist-mounted sensing device preferably features one or more sensorsattached to adhesive pads, a wristband or other fastening article. Thesensor(s) are preferably connected to a controlling/processing unit.With regard to data analysis, the processing unit may optionally be partof sensing device or optionally may be part of the mobile gateway oroptionally may be part of the remote server. However, there ispreferably a controlling unit at the sensing device for controlling theoperation of the sensing device. Optionally, the sensing device mayfeature only an analog sensor and a transmitter without a controllingunit.

If present at the sensing device, as preferred, the processing unit morepreferably supports manual and/or automatic collection of themeasurement of the at least one physiological parameter; also morepreferably, the processing unit is able to execute one or moreinstructions for extracting medical information about the user from suchmeasurement(s).

The processing unit of the wrist-mounted sensing device may optionallycontrol a communication unit. The communication unit of wrist-mountedsensing device preferably supports bi-directional wireless communicationwith the mobile gateway for transmitting the extracted information. Suchcommunication may optionally include the raw data and any receivedcommands from the remote data processing server. Optionally andalternatively, such communication may be unidirectional from the sensordevice to the mobile gateway, such that the device cannot receive anycommands from the remote server.

The mobile gateway device then preferably relays such information to aremote data processing server, which more preferably is able toautomatically analyze such information and optionally provide it to acall center where the data processing server is preferably located. Atsuch a call center, a human operator who may be medical personnel cansee this information on a computer monitor and talk to the patient usingthe cellular (mobile) gateway as a regular telephone. The operatoralternatively or additionally may receive the information at any otherlocation with LAN connection or Internet connection to the remote serverusing a computer with such a communication capabilities, oralternatively using methods such as sending a message according to atleast one of a SMS (Short Message Service) or MMS (Multi Media Service),or electronic mail such as an e-mail message or facsimile, or Internetbased messaging (such as in cellular telephones operating in GPRSnetworks), to the cellular telephone of medical personnel. Therefore,continuous monitoring of the medical information and/or physiologicalparameters of the user may optionally and more preferably be made,enabling better medical care for the user.

If the mobile gateway optionally and more preferably features a built inor add-on videocamera (such in the case of 3G (third generation)cellular telephones), a visual and audio conversation could be madebetween the call center operator and the patient (user).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mobile gatewaypreferably comprises a wireless communication transceiver, acontrolling, a processing unit for processing the received data andanother communication unit for communication with the cellulartelephone, in which the mobile gateway preferably resides and/or towhich the mobile gateway is preferably attached.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the mobilegateway comprises a wireless communication transceiver, anothercommunication unit for communication with the cellular telephone and acellular telephone. The wireless communication transceiver maycommunicate with the sensor device. In addition, processing andcontrolling units of the cellular telephone may optionally be used forprocessing the sensing device outputs and for relaying the processeddata to the remote server.

According to still another embodiment of the present invention, themobile gateway may optionally be implemented as a cellular telephone forperforming the communication and processing functions of the mobilegateway according to the present invention, such that these functions(and the components required to support these functions) are preferablyincorporated entirely within the cellular telephone itself.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the mobilegateway may optionally be implemented as part of the sensing device forperforming the communication and processing functions of the mobilegateway according to the present invention, such that these functions(and the components required to support these functions) are preferablyincorporated entirely within the sensing device itself. Optionally, thisimplementation may include SMS messaging and the ability to establish avoice conversation between the patient and the call center.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communicationlink between the mobile gateway and the remote data processing serveroptionally and more preferably comprise one or more of the followingmethods, although the communication is not limited to these methods:Short Message Service (SMS) messages, MMS, Internet messaging, and Javaapplets. Such communication is bi-directional, for example in order toallow the remote server to send one or more reminders or other messagesto be displayed on the cellular telephone display about various medicalmatters, such as for assisting patient compliance with drug dosingregimes, reminding the subject to take medication, visits to medicalpersonnel and so forth. Optionally, such communication can be performedunidirectionally from the device to the remote server.

Additionally, the communication link between the sensing device and themobile gateway may use Bluetooth protocol, IEEE 802.11, Home RF protocolor alternatively any other proprietary protocol using a RF link, anytype of wireless infrared, contact less technology or any other radiofrequency protocol communication link.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a call center with wired or wireless data link connection tothe remote data processing server. The call center human operator mayoptionally and more preferably receive an automatically generateddiagnosis from such a server. The operator then preferably determinesone or more actions to be performed according to the diagnosis.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the remoteserver is located inside the mobile gateway, such that the diagnosticand/or other analysis procedures (for obtaining diagnostic and/or othertypes of information) are performed more preferably only for users whoown that mobile gateway. The gateway optionally communicates with thecall center in case of medical emergency. The mobile gateway optionallymay use the cellular telephone's display to present messages to theuser. This can be made in GSM telephones by using its SIM (SubscriberIdentity Module) with methods such as the SIM tool kit, which enablesthe SIM to run small software programs.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of anexemplary system according to the present invention. As shown, a system101 features a sensing and transmitting sub-system 100, a receiving andprocessing sub-system 102 and existing communication infrastructure 104,such as cellular or land telephone lines, or any other type of wirelessand/or wired infrastructure.

Sensing and transmitting sub-system 100 features a sensing device 106,for measuring at least one physiological parameter. Sensing device 106may optionally be a wearable device to be worn by a user, optionally andmore preferably as a wrist-mounted device, for example by being attachedwith adhesive pads, a wristband or other fastening article to the wristof the user. Alternatively, sensing device 106 may optionally beattached to any other part of the subject to be monitored, morepreferably for being able to reliably measure one or more physiologicalparameters, while also more preferably not inconveniencing the subject.

Sensing device 106 communicates preferably through a bi-directional,wireless communication link 107 with at least mobile gateway device 108.As previously described, communication is optionally and alternativelyunidirectional. Mobile gateway device 108 may optionally comprise acellular telephone 112 and/or an add-on to cellular telephone device110. Cellular telephone 112 may be such as Nokia 6300 seriescommercially available from Nokia, Finland or such as SGH R210commercially available from Samsung, South Korea or any other suitablecellular telephone. The operation of an add-on to cellular telephonedevice 110 is described below.

Optionally, system 101 may comprise multiple sensing devices 106 andmultiple mobile gateway devices 108.

Mobile gateway device 108 preferably communicates through existingcellular infrastructure, which may optionally be a network of cellulartelephone base stations 114 for example, of which two are shown fordescriptive purposes only and without any intention of being limiting.Mobile gateway device 108 more preferably also communicates with a fixedgateway device 124 using SMS messages. Fixed gateway device 124 is alsopreferably located at receiving and processing sub-system 102. Fixedgateway device 124 is preferably, but not necessarily, a cellulartelephone similar to cellular telephone 112 of mobile gateway device108. Fixed gateway device 124 optionally and more preferablycommunicates for example with the help of a hard wired F/M—bus and/orany other suitable hardware bus, preferably with remote data processingserver 126.

Such communication is preferably performed directly with a dataprocessing server 126. Both fixed gateway device 124 and remote dataprocessing server 126 are preferably remotely located with respect tosensing device 106 and mobile gateway device 108.

Cellular base stations 114 are optionally and more preferablyimplemented as conventional cellular base stations operating inaccordance with well known cellular communication standards such asCDMA, GSM, TDMA, GPRS, 3G (Third Generation) systems and so forth.Cellular infrastructure may preferably include a Mobile ServicesSwitching Center (MSC) 116 and Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 118.Only two cellular base stations 114 are shown for the purposes ofillustration only and without any intention of being limiting. These twocellular base stations 114 govern the communication process betweenmobile gateway device 108 and fixed gateway device 124 for at least acertain period of time. Cellular base station 114 preferablycommunicates with fixed gateway device 124 and/or remote data processingserver 126 through a SMS messages based data link.

Transmitted data may optionally and more preferably be communicated byusing a Short Message Service (SMS). For this type of communication,transmitted data would preferably be passed from Mobile MessageSwitching Services Center (MSC) 116 to a Short Message Service center(SMSC) 118. SMSC 118 would then preferably transmit data in the form ofan SMS message to local cellular base station 114, which is preferablynearby remote data processing server 126. The SMS is then received andtransferred to remote data processing server 126. Of course, suchcommunication is also optionally and more preferably bidirectional.Alternately, SMSC 118 can send the text of the SMS message in anInternet format (such as TCP/IP protocol) to the remote processingserver using the Internet.

Additionally or alternatively, mobile gateway can establish a dial-upconnection with an ISP (Internet Service Provider) 120 in order tocommunicate with the remote server using an Internet format. Data may beoptionally transmitted from mobile gateway device 108 to local cellularbase station 114 and then to MSC 116, then through a suitablecommunication infrastructure, such as a direct dial up line or LAN toISP (Internet service provider) 120, for example. ISP 120 may optionallybe implemented as a MISP (mobile Internet service provider) for example.From ISP 120, an Internet connection would be established with remotedata processing server 126 using standard TCP/IP protocol or any othersuitable protocol, for delivering any data to remote data processingserver 126.

Receiving and processing sub-system 102 may optionally and morepreferably include a manually operated call center 128. Call center 128may optionally and preferably perform such functions as analyzing data,providing a telephone communication and/or video conferencing channelbetween the operator and the patient and also for optionally enablingmedical personnel to more easily view and access the medicalinformation.

According to one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention,mobile gateway device 108 may be a wireless communication transceiver,such as a cellular telephone 112 or an add-on to cellular telephonedevice 110. The use of a cellular telephone as a gateway device has anumber of advantages. A subject who owns a cellular telephone may beexpected to carry it on at least a regular basis. Hence, use of acellular telephone as a communication gateway does not limit subjectmovement to a certain radius as in case of a static communicationgateway.

Also, the use of a cellular telephone as a communication gateway doesnot force the subject to handle the cellular telephone in order for thedevice to be operative as a communication gateway, as mere proximity tothe cellular telephone may be sufficient. This proximity may be derivedfrom regular use of cellular telephone 112 as for any cellulartelephone. Sensing device 106 is preferably implemented such that thisproximity is sufficient for enabling communication with cellulartelephone 112 (a distance of up to about 50 meters is preferable,although a particular distance is not a requirement for the operation ofthe present invention).

The function and structure of an exemplary sensing device 106 isdescribed in greater detail below. FIG. 2 shows a schematic blockdiagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensing device 106, which is apart of the present invention. Device 106 preferably features at leastone physiological parameter sensor 130 for measuring at least onephysiological parameter of the user, of which a plurality are shown forthe purposes of discussion only and without any intention of beinglimiting. The physiological parameters of the subject may be bloodpressure pulses (heart rhythms), body movements, temperature, bloodpressure, and others. Sensors 130 may be part of sensing device 106 andmay be an attachment to sensing device 106.

An exemplary physiological sensor 130 may be a piezoceramic sensor,which is in direct contact with the skin of the user. For thisnon-limiting example, sensor 130 preferably generates an electricalsignal, having amplitude corresponding to the magnitude of appliedpressure. Therefore, if at least a portion of the transducer is locatedadjacent to, and in physical contact with, an area of the wrist whereblood pressure pulses may be detected. Alternately, the pressure may bedelivered by the fastening article from the artery to the transducer.Sensor 130 generates electrical pressure pulses corresponding to thedetected blood pressure pulses. Each of the electrical pressure pulsespreferably defines a maximum voltage over a systolic interval and aminimum voltage over a diastolic interval.

The output of sensor 130 is preferably an analog signal. Analog frontend 132 preferably receives and amplifies and filters the signal to alevel supporting reliable analog to digital conversion within thedesirable frequency band pass. Analog to Digital converter 134 thenconverts this signal into digital form. Processing unit 136 optionallyand more preferably receives and processes the digital signal containingmeasured physiological data. Processing unit 136 preferably executes atleast one instruction for processing the data obtained by sensor 130;alternatively, processing unit 136 only delivers the received raw datato mobile gateway device 108.

Sensing device 106 optionally and preferably features an internalcommunication unit 150, for preferably performing bidirectionalcommunication with mobile gateway device 108. Optionally andalternatively, internal communication unit 150 provides unidirectionalcommunication for transmission of data only from sensing device 106 tomobile gateway device 108. Processing unit 136 preferably feeds acommunication unit 150 with processed data or raw data obtained fromsensor or sensors 130.

According to the present invention, the bidirectional communication withcommunication unit 150 of sensing device 102 may optionally use anysuitable RF (Radio Frequency) frequency, such as 433.92 MHz radiofrequency for example, Bluetooth protocol or any other approved wirelesscommunication standard.

According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, sensordevice 106 also optionally and more preferably comprises at least one ormore of a memory 138, a real time clock 140, and an indicator display142, for example in order to indicate an alert activation or a lowbattery level.

A battery 146 optionally and more preferably provides power supply tosensing device 106. Sensing device 106 may also optionally andpreferably feature a manually operated alarm button 148 to be manuallyactivated by the user, for example if the user is in distress.

A “watch dog” type arrangement 144 may optionally and preferably be usedto watch for any software and/or hardware malfunction and to reset thedevice in such a case. An example for the operation of “watch dog” typearrangement 144 is as follows. First, “watch dog” type arrangement 144preferably triggers a watchdog function shown as a “Watchdog” process.

If the end of a watchdog time period is reached, sensor device 106 isassumed to have a fault in its operation, and a master reset ispreferably initiated automatically. The end of such a time period isreached if sensor device 106 does not triggered automatically ormanually from sleep mode. Examples of such triggers include but are notlimited to, pressing a panic button manually by the user; and signalingby real time clock 140 which indicates the need for sensor device 106 toexecute an automatic check.

Real time clock 140 more preferably provides an accurate time and datefor each measurement, as sensing device 106 can optionally store a fewmeasurements before transmitting such data and/or information to mobilegateway device 108. Real time clock 140 may also optionally be used forsuch applications as reminding the subject to take medication, perform amedical diagnostic measurement, and so forth. A/D converter 134 maysupport multiple inputs in order to convert the analog signals collectedby different sensors 130 into a digital signal.

According to the present invention, the optional implementation ofcommunication gateway as an add-on to cellular telephone device andcommunicating with cellular telephone has most of the cellular telephoneadvantages, but does not need to be packaged within a particular spacewithin a telephone. FIG. 3 shows a schematic block diagram of anexemplary embodiment of a mobile gateway according to the presentinvention. The particular embodiment of mobile communication gateway 108includes a cellular telephone 112 and add-on device 110. Add-on device110 may optionally be an accessory which is optionally and preferablyattached and/or connected to the cellular telephone package, or mayoptionally be carried separately from cellular telephone 112. Oneexample of an implementation for such an accessory optionally andpreferably includes at least an electrical connection to cellulartelephone 112, for example through an external data connector, but mayalso optionally, additionally or alternatively, include a direct wiredconnection to the communication port of processing unit 176 of cellulartelephone 112.

Alternately, the communication can be established using an infrared datalink (communication according to infrared signals), using an Infraredport of cellular telephone 112, if present. Such a port may optionallybe located within cellular telephone 112, as a hardware componentthereof.

Add-on device 110 optionally and preferably includes a communicationunit 170, and a processing unit 172. Add-on device 110 may use thecellular telephone battery (not shown) as a source of power butpreferably and for safety reasons, add-on device 110 may optionallyinclude a dedicated battery 174 and/or other power source (not shown).Battery 174 is preferably operative all of the time, or alternativelybecomes operative when the cellular telephone battery is exhausted. Theprovision of an additional power sources provides for maintenance ofcommunications with sensing device (not shown), storing the receiveddata into a local memory 171 until cellular telephone 112 regains power,then add-on device 110 preferably sends the accumulated data to theremote server (not shown, see FIG. 1).

Communication unit 170 of add-on device 110 preferably communicates withcommunication unit 150 of sensing device 106 using some type of RF(radio frequency) signal, such as 433 MHz RF for example, Bluetoothprotocol or any other approved wireless communication standard.Communication unit 170 feeds the received data into processing unit 172.

Processing unit 172 communicates further with processing unit 176 ofcellular telephone 112. Communication between processing unit 172 andprocessing unit 176 may optionally be enabled by wireless means or by aconnection of bus cable (such as F/M bus of NOKIA phones) or any othermodem type connection 180 or UART (universal asynchronousreceive/transmit) protocol enabled direct-wired connection. UART enabledconnections are intended for serial communication between processingunits 172,176. Infrared and/or other types of wireless connections arealso optionally possible.

Cellular telephone display 182 may optionally display, for theconvenience of the user, a copy of messages transmitted by cellulartelephone 112 to remote data processing server 126 and/or a message fromremote data processing server 126 to the user.

Attention is drawn now to receiving gateway 124 and remote dataprocessing server 126. FIG. 4 shows a schematic block diagram of anexemplary embodiment of a receiving gateway and remote data processingserver, according to the present invention. In the particular exemplaryembodiment, receiving gateway 124 is a cellular telephone similar to oneused in mobile gateway device 108.

Remote data processing server 126 preferably features a software program202 for automatically performed (non-manual) diagnostic algorithms.Remote data processing server 126 also preferably features a processingunit 204 for processing data received from gateway device 124, and adatabase 206 for storing raw and or processed data and the user's healthhistory. A Web server 210 for enabling provision of data and/or othertypes of user interactions through Web pages (according to the HTTP(hyper-text transfer protocol) protocol) may also optionally beconnected to ISP 120. In any case, access to data in database 206 ispreferably secured, for example through a firewall which limits suchaccess to authorized users.

The method of operation of monitoring system for assessing physiologicalparameters of a subject is described with regard to FIG. 5, which is aflow chart of the first stages of system initialization. As sensingdevice 106 (not shown) begins operation for the first time, the softwareof device 106 at step 240 preferably makes some initializations usingdefault values. Communication link with mobile gateway 114 (not shown)is preferably established at step 242. An identification code isoptionally transmitted to remote data processing server 126 (not shown)at step 244 via mobile gateway device 108 (not shown). Remote dataprocessing server 126 more preferably identifies the new subscriber,creates a respective database entry and initiates the regular follow-upprocess at step 246. The process of identification optionally and morepreferably includes the provision of a subscriber identifier, and mostpreferably includes information related to mobile gateway 114 (notshown) as previously described.

Once sensing device 106 has been initialized and the subscriber isidentified, more preferably also including sending an acknowledgementmessage by remote data processing server 126, the software at step 248preferably triggers a watchdog function, and then at step 250 enters a“sleeping” mode for saving battery life. If the end of a watchdog timeperiod is reached, the device is assumed to have a fault in itsoperation and a master reset is preferably initiated automatically.

There may optionally be a number of operation modes or “wake-up”triggers from the “sleeping” mode. FIG. 6 is a flow chart describing amethod of system operation in “measurement” mode. In “measurement”operation mode, real time clock 140 (not shown) wakes up sensing device106 (not shown) at step 278. A data collection process is initiated atstep 280, by processing unit 136 (not shown). Sensing device 106 (notshown) then initiates communication with the mobile gateway in step 281,and transmits measurements in step 282.

Remote data processing server 126 can initiate an “automatic alarm”mode, if following the analysis or the information at step 290, remotedata processing server 126 discovers that at least one measuredparameter exceeds a predefined threshold at least once, remote dataprocessing server 126 preferably issues a command to the sensing device106. Remote data processing server 126 preferably defines the severityof the parameter deviation. If the deviation of the parameter is severe(i.e. statistically and/or medically significant), remote dataprocessing server 126 optionally and more preferably contacts callcenter 128. Call center 128 may optionally initiate a voicecommunication with the subject at step 292, and/or may optionallydirectly contact medical personnel at step 294.

If the deviation in the measured parameter is not severe, at step 296,remote data processing server 126 initiates a prioritized subjectfollow-up process. The prioritized follow-up process may contain suchcommands as an increased frequency of measurement of the parametersand/or communication of these measurements. If the deviation of theparameter measurement does not persist, and more preferably if no otherparameters exceed their thresholds, at step 300 remote data processingserver 126 preferably switches/returns measuring device to normal“Supervise” timing mode.

Sensing unit 106 performs the command and sends an ACK (acknowledgementmessage) remote data processing server 126 through the mobile gatewaydevice 108. Remote data processing server 126 returns an ACK withanother command to continue or without a command to terminate thisprocess. After performing the last command, sensing device 106 returnsto the “Sleep” state.

Remote data processing server may send the above commands to sensingdevice 106 using wireless gateway 108. Fixed gateway 124 relays thisdata/command message to mobile gateway device 108, optionally andpreferably by using methods such as a SMS or similar methods. Mobilegateway device 108 preferably sends these data and/or commands tosensing device 106, preferably through a wireless link establishedbetween them. Remote data processing server 126, following signalanalysis at step 290, preferably decides on the content and type of themessage sent to the subject.

There may be cases where the acknowledge message either from mobilegateway device 108 or remote data processing station 126 is not receivedwithin a set time period. After the expiration of this time period,sensing device 106 optionally and preferably initiates a repeatedmessage transmission. Additional transmissions are initiated, ifnecessary. However, if after a predefined number of repeated times anacknowledge message is not received, an error message is stored within alog and no more tries are made. More preferably, an indicator LED 142starts blinking for a few seconds, optionally with an audible alarm.Then, the process returns to the “Sleep” state.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart describing a method of system operation in“Alarm” operation mode. In “Alarm” operation mode, sensing device 106(not shown) typically wakes-up at step 260 on pressing an alarm button.Following this “wake-up” trigger, the process preferably moves to the“Supervise” state, where sensing device 106 at step 262 collects datafrom sensors 130 (not shown; see FIG. 2). At step 264, sensing device106 (not shown) then initiates communication with the mobile gateway(mobile gateway device 108, not shown).

At step 268, communication unit 150 preferably enters the “TX/RX”(Transmit/Receive) state, where communication unit 150 transmits adistress message containing the identifier, and the collected dataand/or processed medical parameters to mobile gateway device 108. Thensensing device 106 preferably enters a receiving mode for a few seconds,waiting for acknowledge (ACK) from remote data processing server 126through mobile gateway device 108.

Mobile gateway device 108, at step 268, preferably relays the distressmessage containing the identifier and the collected data and/orprocessed medical parameters to remote data processing server 126, forexample through cellular base stations 114 by using fixed gateway device124, and/or through a dial up (telephonic) connection to ISP/MISP,and/or SMS message transmission from the SMSC as previously described.Optionally and additionally, if communication unit 150 is a cellulartelephone, the message may contain information on any one or more of thecellular telephone number of the user, the cellular telephone SIM cardnumber and the current location (for example, according to the cellularbase station to which mobile gateway device 108 made a call). Suchinformation can optionally be obtained by acquiring the cellulartelephone of mobile gateway device 108 with appropriate AT command.

Remote data processing server 126 at step 270 processes the message andstores it on a database 206 (not shown; see FIG. 4). Then, remote dataprocessing server 126 returns an ACK to sensing device 106 with orwithout a command. In case of a return command, sensing device 106preferably sends back an acknowledgement message. Remote data processingserver 126 returns to sensing device 106 more preferably only if remotedata processing server 126 is to send another command, and so on. Afterperforming the last command, sensing device 106 preferably returns tothe “Sleep” state.

In step 272, remote data processing server 126 preferably analyzes themedical information, for example in order to automatically determine adiagnosis.

After receiving an “Alarm” type message, remote data processing server126 more preferably allocates a higher priority to that subject, and ahuman operator at call center is preferably alerted. A pop up messagepreferably appears on the operator's monitor, more preferablyinformation related to the past medical history and/or currentinformation about the user. Examples of such information include but arenot limited to, the user's name, address and the current measurements asreceived by the message, the user's medical history such as any knowndiseases and/or other medical conditions, any medication being taken,and graphs or other displays of received measurements acquired from thedatabase which may show whether the condition of the user has becomedegraded from previous measurements. The human operator then preferablycontacts the user, for example more preferably by using the cellulartelephone or fixed line telephone of the user, in order to be able toassess the situation properly.

In the third optional mode of the trigger, sensing device 106 receives acommand to enter “Maintenance” using for example a dedicated switch orautomatic battery low indicator. The “Maintenance” mode may optionallybe initiated for technical reasons such as system maintenance,diagnostics or loading of new software (for example with the release ofa new software version). Such new software may optionally be providedthrough a centralized mechanism to each subscriber of the services.

Some other operation processes that may optionally be treated asmaintenance processes may occur in the course of regular systemoperation. For example each time sensing device 106 sends a message tomobile gateway device 108, a special counter preferably counts thenumber of transmissions made from the time of last battery replacement.Then, after a preset number of times, a low battery indicator is morepreferably set. The message may optionally contain a Battery OK/BatteryLow indication for the battery situation. This signal preferably appearsthree months (or another predefined time period) before the batteryfinishes, which provides sufficient time for the user to be able toreplace the battery.

It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only toserve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible withinthe spirit and the scope of the present invention.

1. A system for obtaining information about at least one physiologicalfunction of a subject, comprising: (a) a sensing device for measuringand transmitting the at least one physiological parameter to form atransmitted measurement, wherein at least a portion of said sensingdevice is in direct physical contact with at least a portion of thesubject; (b) a mobile gateway for receiving said transmittedmeasurement; and (c) a remote data processing server for receiving saidtransmitted measurement from said mobile gateway and for at leastassisting in an analysis process for analyzing said transmittedmeasurement, wherein said analysis process provides the informationabout the at least one physiological function of the subject.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said remote data processing server furthercomprises a processing unit for automatically performing said analysisprocess.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein said analysis processincludes a diagnostic process, such that said analysis process includesautomatically producing a diagnosis.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid mobile gateway is at least partially in wireless communication withremote data processing server.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein saidmobile gateway further comprises a wireless communication device,wherein components of said mobile gateway, apart from said wirelesscommunication device, are connected to said wireless communicationdevice as add-on components.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein saidwireless communication device comprises a cellular telephone.
 7. Thesystem of claim 4, wherein said mobile gateway further comprises acellular telephone for said wireless communication.
 8. The system ofclaim 5, further comprising: (d) a fixed gateway for being in wirelesscommunication with said cellular telephone, said fixed gateway alsobeing in communication with said remote data processing server.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein said fixed gateway is in wirelesscommunication with said cellular telephone according to a SMS (shortmessage system) messaging protocol.
 10. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising: (e) an SMSC (SMS center) for supporting said wirelesscommunication according to said SMS messaging protocol.
 11. The systemof claim 1, wherein communication between said mobile gateway and saidremote data processing server is bi-directional.
 12. The system of claim1, wherein said remote data processing server provides said transmittedmeasurement to a human operator for manually performing said analysisprocess.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said remote data processingserver partially performs said analysis process and wherein at least aportion of said analysis process is performed by a human operator. 14.The system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) a fixed gateway incommunication with said remote data processing server and incommunication with said mobile gateway device, wherein said fixedgateway device receives said transmitted measurement from said mobilegateway device and provides said transmitted measurement to said remotedata processing server, wherein said fixed gateway is connected to saidremote data processing server through a fixed connection.
 15. The systemof claim 1, wherein said sensing device further comprises a sensor formeasuring at least one physiological parameter of the subject, saidsensor being in contact with at least a portion of the subject, and aprocessor for controlling at least one function of said sensor.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, wherein said processor of said sensing devicereceives a signal from said sensor and converts said at least onemeasurement to form medical information.
 17. The system of claim 1,wherein said sensing device further comprises a fastening article forbeing fastened to a wrist of the subject.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein said fastening article comprises an adhesive pad for beingattached to the skin of the subject.
 19. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid sensing device further comprises a communication unit fortransmitting said medical information to said mobile gateway.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein said communication unit communicates throughwireless communication.
 21. The system of claim 20, wherein saidwireless communication is performed according to at least one ofBluetooth communication, RF (radio frequency) communication andinfra-red communication.
 22. The system of claim 1, wherein said mobilegateway further comprises a processing unit for performing said analysisprocess for determining the information about the at least onephysiological function of the subject.
 23. The system of claim 1,further comprising: (d) a display for displaying the information aboutthe at least one physiological function of the subject to an operator;and wherein said mobile gateway further comprises a camera and a mobiletelephone for performing a visual and audio conversation between saidoperator and the subject.
 24. The system of claim 1, further comprising:(d) a database for storing said transmitted measurement and for beingconnected to said remote data processing server.
 25. The system of claim24, wherein at least said transmitted measurement is retrievable fromsaid database for at least one of analysis and display.
 26. The systemof claim 24, further comprising: (e) a Web server for communicating withsaid remote data processing server and for serving data from saiddatabase through a Web-based function.
 27. The system of claim 1,further comprising: (d) a videocamera in communication with saidcellular telephone, for supporting a videoconference with the subject.28. A method for obtaining information about at least one physiologicalfunction of a subject, comprising: measuring the at least onephysiological parameter at the subject by a sensing device, wherein atleast a portion of said sensing device is at least in close physicalproximity to at least a portion of the subject; transmitting saidmeasurement to form a transmitted measurement; receiving saidtransmitted measurement by a mobile gateway, wherein said mobile gatewayis capable of further transmitting said transmitted measurement.
 29. Themethod of claim 28, wherein said transmitted measurement is transmittedto a data processing server, the method further comprising: receivingsaid transmitted measurement from said mobile gateway by said dataprocessing server; and at least assisting in an analysis process foranalyzing said transmitted measurement, wherein said analysis processprovides the information about the at least one physiological functionof the subject.
 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising:identifying the subject according to a subject identifier, for securingsaid transmitted measurement.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein saidsubject identifier is at least partially determined according to atleast one characteristic of said mobile gateway.
 32. The method of claim31, wherein said mobile gateway includes a cellular telephone, andwherein said at least one characteristic of said cellular telephone isselected from the group consisting of a telephone number, a SIM cardnumber, a cellular telephone serial number and an IP (Internet Protocol)address.
 33. The method of claim 28, further comprising: storing saidtransmitted measurement and the information about the at least onephysiological function of the subject to form a medical history of thesubject.
 34. The method of claim 33, wherein recently transmittedmeasurements are compared to said medical history to determine if atleast one physiological function is deteriorating.
 35. The method ofclaim 34, wherein if said at least one physiological function isdeteriorating, at least one medically trained individual is alerted. 36.The method of claim 29, wherein said analysis process further comprisesautomatically performing a diagnosis of the subject.
 37. The method ofclaim 28, wherein said analysis process further comprises displaying theinformation about the at least one physiological function of the subjectto medical personnel.
 38. The method of claim 28, wherein said portionof said sensing device is in direct physical contact with said portionof the subject.
 39. A system for obtaining information about at leastone physiological function of a subject, comprising: (a) a sensingdevice for measuring and transmitting the at least one physiologicalparameter to form a transmitted measurement, wherein at least a portionof said sensing device is in direct physical contact with at least aportion of the subject; (b) a mobile gateway for receiving saidtransmitted measurement from said sensing device according to wirelesscommunication; and (c) a remote data processing server for receivingsaid transmitted measurement from said mobile gateway at least partiallyaccording to wireless communication and for at least assisting in ananalysis process for analyzing said transmitted measurement, whereinsaid analysis process provides the information about the at least onephysiological function of the subject.
 40. A system for obtaininginformation about at least one physiological function of a subject,comprising: (a) a sensing device for measuring and transmitting the atleast one physiological parameter to form a transmitted measurement,wherein said sensing device is not in direct physical contact with thesubject; (b) a mobile gateway for receiving said transmittedmeasurement; and (c) a remote data processing server for receiving saidtransmitted measurement from said mobile gateway and for at leastassisting in an analysis process for analyzing said transmittedmeasurement, wherein said analysis process provides the informationabout the at least one physiological function of the subject.
 41. Asystem for transmitting medical information about a subject to a remotelocation, the medical information being obtained from at least onephysiological measurement of the subject, the system comprising: (a) acellular telephone in physical proximity to the subject for receivingthe at least one physiological measurement of the subject; and (b) adata processing unit contained within said cellular telephone forprocessing the at least one physiological measurement of the subject toform the medical information, such that said cellular telephone is alocal server for the medical information.
 42. The system of claim 41,further comprising: (c) a videocamera in communication with saidcellular telephone, for supporting a videoconference with the subject.43. A system for obtaining information about at least one physiologicalfunction of a subject, comprising: (a) a sensing device for measuringand transmitting the at least one physiological parameter to form atransmitted measurement, wherein at least a portion of said sensingdevice is in direct physical contact with at least a portion of thesubject; (b) a mobile gateway for receiving said transmitted measurementand for performing an analysis process for determining the informationabout the at least one physiological function of the subject; (c) aremote data processing server for receiving the information about the atleast one physiological function of the subject; and (d) a database incommunication with said remote data processing server, wherein theinformation about the at least one physiological function of the subjectis stored in said database by said remote data processing server.